Tullahoma Gets Marathon Victory Against Eustis in Day Two NHSI Action

CARY, N.C.—It may have been a consolation game, but both teams wanted a win.

These games matter, and Tullahoma (Tenn.) High School and Eustis (Fla.) High School made it obvious as they battled at the National High School Invitational on Thursday afternoon. It took 11 innings, but Tullahoma eventually walked off thanks to a bases-loaded hit by pitch to take the game 4-3.

Zach Lampkin (Photo by Alyson Boyer Rode)

The Wildcats had to pull out the victory after having ace righthander Jordan Sheffield scratched from being the starting pitcher, which has also turned their defensive alignment into a merry-go-round.

“We’ve got guys playing out of position,” Tullahoma head coach Brad White said. “We’re asking guys on the fly. I told them, nobody cares if we’re hurting right now. We have to get through it. This will be the toughest part of our season. If we get everybody healthy by the end, we’re going to be very strong. I’m very happy with how our team has responded.”

The Panthers found themselves down 3-0 heading into the seventh and supposed final inning of the game, but tied it up in the top of the frame and eventually sent it into extras.

Zach Lampkin earned game-winning RBI in the 11th taking the hit from losing pitcher Kyle Wiseman. The 2016 draft prospect walked one (intentional) and gave up one hit without recording an out.

Wesley Moulden got the start for Eustis. The lefthander threw all seven innings of regulation and allowed three runs (none earned) on 12 hits, walking one and striking out three. Jonathan Mosos came on in relief of Moulden and posted three shutout frames.

Dalton Davis took the hill for the Wildcats and tossed seven complete frames. He allowed three runs on nine hits with one walk and one strikeout. Tyler Burns relieved Davis and pitched four strong innings of no-hit ball, walking one and fanning one.

Van Williams led the offense for Tullahoma, going 3-for-4 with two runs scored. Eustis top prospect and Clemson commit Chris Okey went 0-for-5 with one RBI.